Contact Roughness Characterization Parameters for Abrasion-Resistant Epoxy-Coated Surfaces Enhanced with Micro and Nanoparticles

M.A. Sáenz-Nuño, C. Puente

Lubricants Vol. 14, nº. 1, pp. 15

Summary:

In recent years, numerous studies have been conducted to characterize the physical parameters that define the behavior of surfaces coated with epoxy resins, particularly in terms of hardness and resistance. Many of these surfaces have been doped with micro- and nanoparticles. In this work, we present the internationally defined roughness parameters that are typically of interest for the use of these materials in industrial parts. We analyze the information these parameters provide about the coatings when measured by contact methods, not just optically before and after physical abrasion. The contact profile roughness parameters (R) are highlighted, as they can offer more reliable information regarding the physical wear of these surfaces due to abrasion (typically Ra, Rq, Rz, Rsk, Rku and Rmr). The main advantage is that this approach allows for discerning parameters that, when linked with other functionalities of the parts, provide more comprehensive information without being limited to purely optical or non-contact SEM analysis. The characterization of nanometric particle-doped surfaces with Ra, Rq, and Rz, and of micrometric particle-doped surfaces with Rmr (10–20%) is proposed, in order to clearly characterize the final behavior of the surface before and after wear.

Spanish layman's summary:

Estudios recientes analizan superficies recubiertas con epoxi dopadas con micro/nanopartículas para evaluar dureza y desgaste. Proponemos usar parámetros de rugosidad por contacto (Ra, Rq, Rz, Rmr) para medir abrasión, ofreciendo información más fiable que métodos ópticos en aplicaciones industriales.

English layman's summary:

Recent studies examine epoxy-coated surfaces doped with micro/nanoparticles for hardness and wear. We propose using contact roughness parameters (Ra, Rq, Rz, Rmr) to assess abrasion, offering more reliable insights than optical methods for industrial applications.

Keywords: contact 2D R roughness parameters; nanoparticles; microparticles; surface performance change; Parámetros de rugosidad 2D R por contacto; nanopartículas; micropartículas; cambio en el rendimiento de la superficie.

JCR-JIF Impact Factor and WoS quartile: 3,600 - Q2 (2025)

DOI reference: https://doi.org/10.3390/lubricants14010015

Published on paper: January 2026.

Published on-line: December 2025.

Citation:
M.A. Sáenz-Nuño, C. Puente, "Contact Roughness Characterization Parameters for Abrasion-Resistant Epoxy-Coated Surfaces Enhanced with Micro and Nanoparticles", Lubricants, Vol. 14, nº. 1, pp. 15, January 2026. [Online: December 2025] doi: 10.3390/lubricants14010015